Hi everyone,

I have been offered a 1 year old Akita - female - but know little about them as a breed.
Instead of rushing into taking her I would like to make an informed desission.

So, I was hoping to get some first hand info from those of you who share their life with one - or more - and tell me what
they are really like to live with.

Many thanks!

Hi Cara,
There a few folks on here that really know the Akita and I bet they'll be along later. Myself, I wouldn't have one as they appear to be real runners. They are difficult to let off lead and for me that takes away all the fun owning dogs. It's a shame that people buy dogs then can't keep them past a year old, or even a few months in some cases. Why does he need re-homing please?(just nosey)

Hi Spiritulist,
The dog in question doesn`t get on with one of the other dogs they have. But, I think that indeed the dog is becoming to much of a handfull!
Personaly I like a challenge, but I want to do right by the dog and know what I might let myself in for.
Look forward to read what those who own them have to say!

thanks for asking!

Hi Cara,

I have always owned GSD's and Rott's but decided to have a change and got an Akita bitch who is 2 1/2 yrs old.  What breeds of dog have you owned in the past?  I adore my Akita bitch and would not be without her but she is not the easiest of dogs to own!
They are a very loyal breed of dog but this does also come with aloofness, stubborness and a certain assertiveness with other dogs. I do know of people who let their Akita's off lead but I would not recommend this as they are known to hunt (meaning they will run for miles and not give you a second thought) also some including my Akita will not tolerate other dogs and if challenged she will not back down.
At home my girl can mix with the 2 male dogs but cannot be left with the 3 other bitches as she has decided she does not like them!!  However I have the facilities to deal with this so its never a problem.
Once mature they are not a breed that wishes to run up to or be fussed by complete strangers but will be quite happy with people they have known since young.
I would read up as much as you can before taking this dog on and really make sure the breed is for you as they certainly aren't for everyone!  Please pm me if you want to ask any other questions and i'll be happy to help.
Has the owner with the dog spoken with the breeder she got this Akita from?  Never take a dog on just because someone has offered them to you, always make sure it is something you really want and are prepared for.

Not getting on with other dogs is a breed trait, I would be surprised if she id, as most Akita's do not get on well with other animals, especially other canines of the same sex as they are very dog dominant and not for the novice.

Reputable breeders for this reason and the strong hunting instinct and Independence say to NEVER let them off lead.

Has the person who owns her approached her breeder to have her back or help re-home to an expereinced owner?

My last neighbour had an Akita who was fantastic with kids (her owner was a child minder) and people but hated other dogs with a passion. I had to put up a fence infront of my fence so that my 2 couldn't get near because if she could have got hold of them she would have done alot of damage. She was never allowed off lead because of her aggression with other dogs.

Having a breed myself that can be dominant with other dogs and that are very keen hunters, though just not the same size and power of an Akita I would say an Akita would definatly not be for the novice owner.

Thank you for the replies.

I spoke to the owner last night and they have decided to get a trainer in first and if that fails rehome her.
For as far as the breeder goes; it was someone with an Akita bitch who knew someone with an Akita dog and hey there where the pups.

I have decided against taking her on as I like my dogs to be generaly dog friendly and would hate not to be able to let her off lead.

Thanks again!

Good call Cara. They really need to make more effort for such a young girl. It's so easy for people to push a perceived problem along to someone who cares. Let hope they can work it out with her. We, like many other high energy dog owners could of so easily of rid ourselves of the "hurricane in th' house" that was Rowan, our dobe bitch. In her first 2 rs, she was such hard work.:rolleyes: Now though she's a perfect Dobe and we're so glad that we were so stubburn and didn't give up. It's only now that OH and I have admitted to each other how we were both feeling then.